asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the plans he has to promote the Shannon estuary as a location for foreign investment in Ireland.
Written Answers. - Promotion of Shannon Estuary.
82.
The IDA have responsibility for the promotion of the Shannon estuary as a location for industrial development. The estuary is one of a small number of locations in Ireland which are suitable for major port and water using industries.
For certain types of very large port using industries the estuary has unique advantages. At Ballylongford in County Kerry the IDA have a 600 acre site with deepwater alongside. At Askeaton, County Limerick, SFADCo, on behalf of the IDA, have a 230 acre site. Site investigations and advance planning are being completed to enable these sites to be developed quickly for suitable industry. Other sites are also being investigated.
This year the IDA are undertaking a special promotional campaign targeted on major industries suitable for the estuary. This will include approaches to specially selected target companies in North America, Europe and the Far East.